The Richland R-1 School District Board of Education has approved a four-day school week for the 2024-2025 School Year. This decision was reached after copious research and input from all educational stakeholders was gathered.  School will be in session beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 7:45 am and will dismiss at 3:31 pm. Typically there will be no school on Monday, with the exception of April 14, 2025, and May 5th, 2025. Makeup days for inclement weather will be scheduled as needed on the first available Monday of each month.

Transitioning to a four-day school week will allow Richland R-1 School District to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers in a climate where there are more teaching openings than there are certified teacher candidates. Richland R-1 School District has a reputation for being a high-achieving school district. It is the desire of all stakeholders to continue that tradition and legacy. It is imperative that we attract and retain the best teachers available in order to maintain that legacy.

In addition to allowing the district to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers, our students will continue to receive more than the required 1044 hours of instructional time as they do with a traditional five-day calendar. However, having Mondays off will allow families of students and staff to schedule appointments that used to result in a student or staff member having to miss class time. This flexibility will allow our students more seat time with their teachers.

Reducing the calendar by one day per week will also reduce our bus routes by 8 trips per week. This creates less wear and tear on our buses which increases their lifespan in the district. 

The transition to a four-day week will be a learning experience for all of us. We will continue to work together to do what’s in the best interest of our students and our community.